Loving others · How-to guides
How to Be Generous
Generosity is more than giving money; it is a whole open-handed way of living that reflects a generous God. It is a joy to grow, and it sets the heart free from the grip of greed.
Remember God's generosity to you
You cannot out-give God, who gave His own Son. Generosity grows from gratitude for all you have received.
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”Romans 8:32, King James Version
Hold your possessions loosely
Treat what you have as God's, entrusted to you to use for good, rather than gripping it as your own.
“Charge them that are rich ... that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate.”1 Timothy 6:17-18, King James Version
Give more than money
Be generous with your time, attention, forgiveness, and encouragement, not only your wallet.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you.”Luke 6:38, King James Version
Look for needs you can meet
Keep your eyes open for people you can help, and act when you can rather than looking away.
“But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need ... how dwelleth the love of God in him?”1 John 3:17, King James Version
Give cheerfully and quietly
The most beautiful generosity is glad and unshowy, done for God's eyes and for love's sake.
“God loveth a cheerful giver.”2 Corinthians 9:7, King James Version
The One who makes this possible: Jesus
Generosity is simply the shape love takes when it holds nothing back, and no one has ever been as generous as Jesus, who gave His very life for you. Because He gave everything, His people can live with open hands, unafraid, letting His generosity flow through them to a world in need.
Love is meant to be shared. You can find people near you, share the good news, or pray for the one on your heart.
Common questions
What does it mean to be generous biblically?
Biblical generosity is an open-handed way of living that reflects God's own giving, sharing money, time, forgiveness, and kindness freely and cheerfully. It flows from gratitude for God's generosity to us, supremely in giving His Son.
How can I grow in generosity?
Remember how generously God has given to you, hold your possessions loosely, look for needs you can meet, and give cheerfully and quietly, not just money but your time and love. Generosity grows as you practice it with a grateful heart.